Insurance coverage for clubs...

A long-standing dispute between professional soccer clubs and the sport’s international governing body ended when FIFA announced its new insurance policy will cover players while they are on international duty.
Under the new provisions, FIFA’s policy will provide clubs with a maximum payout of$9.7 millionper player for injuries incurred while a player is representing his national team in international competition.
Payouts will vary based on the injured player’s club salary, but will be capped at$27,000per day per athlete for a maximum of one year, according to a statement released by FIFA. The insurance will be throughHDI-Gerling Assurances S.A.andZurich Insurance Co., with reinsurance through Hannover Reinsurance and Munich Reinsurance.
The decision brings to an end an ongoing debate about who should accept liability when a player is sidelined by an injury that occurred while on international duty. For years, clubs have complained that FIFA should implement cover.
The cover beginsSept. 1and runs throughDec. 31, 2014, meaning it will be in place for the 2014 World Cup inBrazil. Though the London Olympics are schedule to beginJuly 25, FIFA said that event also will be covered.
When FIFA in March ordered clubs to release players called up by their national teams for the Olympic Games — which conflict with the European preseason — the organization also announced it would set up insurance coverage that would compensate teams if players get injured representing their country.
Details of the Club Protection Programme were announced on the final day of FIFA’s 62nd annual conference inBudapest. In discussing the prevalence of on-field injuries, FIFA presidentJoseph Blattersaid his organization has “a responsibility” to protect the players.
Underwriting units of HDI-Gerling and Hannover Re currently have a Best's Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent). Zurich andMunich Reboth have a Best's Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior).
(byKate Smith, senior associate editor, Best's Review)